Vandals smash church windows (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Vandals smash church windows

Ref. 29927-13VANDALS have smashed historic windows at a Cricklade church causing £10,000 worth of damage.

Two lead-paned windows, thought to be 150 years old, have been destroyed in a series of attacks at the historic St Sampson's church off Bath Road.

The first window was smashed early last week near the high altar of the church.

But another attack, which took place on Easter Sunday, saw a second window shattered, outraging local people and parishioners.

The Rev Steve Oram, vicar of Cricklade and Latton, who has worked at the church for seven years, said it was the first act of church vandalism he had seen in his ministerial career.

Mr Oram said: "My initial thoughts were, why? And what is the point of doing this? We had had an excellent Easter Sunday and we had people in all day for the services and then this happened.

"This part of Wiltshire is quite quiet and so I am very angry this happened. This is very expensive damage, it's not a case of going down to B&Q and getting a piece of replacement glass."

John Hickman, one of the churchwardens at St Sampson's, was equally angry about what he called senseless acts.

Mr Hickman said: "Many people in the town, even those who do not attend the church, are angry about the attacks. It is mindless, I do not know why people do it, but it is clear that some people have no appreciation for the church.

"This is one of the most beautiful churches in the country and is a major tourist attraction. There just seems to be a minority who are out to cause mischief unfortunately for us it is a very expensive nuisance."

It is believed the vandals had to climb up on to a ledge to get to the windows, which are two metres above the ground.

The vandals then kicked in the windows causing them to shatter, sending shards across the church floor. The high altar is one of the most isolated parts of the building.

The church is one of the oldest in the area with parts dating back to the late 13th century and a major restoration took place in 1864.

Builders are due to move in to the church today to begin work on the South Aisle project which will see the construction of improved community facilities including a kitchenette and toilets for the disabled.

Police are investigating the attacks and any witnesses are asked to call Cricklade Police on 01793 750207.

Anthony Osborne